(Washington, D.C.) – Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Ruppersberger of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement regarding the recent disclosure of the NSA program: “XKEYSCORE.”

“The latest in the parade of classified leaks published today is without context and provides a completely inaccurate picture of the program.

“Like previous articles about classified programs, today’s story on “XKEYSCORE” is irresponsibly misleading. The program does not target American citizens. Further, the program referenced in the story is not used for indiscriminate monitoring of the internet, as many falsely believe. Rather, the program is simply a tool used by our intelligence analysts to better understand foreign intelligence, including terrorist targets overseas. Finally, the story also once again ignores the legal constraints, comprehensive training, and layers of oversight built into all NSA programs. Every search on the program by an NSA analyst is fully auditable to ensure it is done within the law.

“The men and women at NSA are working hard to protect our country and its citizens from terrorist attacks and there is no question that they are required to follow the law.”